Fuel Services, Inc.» Water Heaters Frequently Asked Questions—How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work? How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

Q: How long does a water heater typically last?
Q: How does a tankless water heater work?
Q: How much can I save with a tankless water heater?
Q: What are my options in tankless water heaters?
Q: What’s the difference between an indirect-fired and direct fired water heater?
Q: How do oil and propane water heaters compare with electric water heating units?
Q: How do I figure out how much hot water I need?
Q: What can I do to maintain my water heater?

Q: How long does a water heater typically last?
A: The average conventional water heater lasts about 10 years. A lot depends on the water quality in your area and the quality of the water heater. Hard water, with its high mineral content, can shorten the life of a unit. A tankless water heater lasts longer. Because the unit lacks a tank, the chance for corrosion is vastly reduced. The average life expectancy of a tankless water heater is 20 years.

Q: How does a tankless water heater work?
A: Tankless, or “on-demand,” water heaters will only heat water when you turn on your hot water faucets. In contrast, conventional water heaters continue to reheat the unused water that sits in the tank, which is a waste of energy.

Q: How much can I save with a tankless water heater?
A: Compared to conventional water heaters, a tankless unit can save you as much as 40% on your annual water heating costs. Some tankless water heaters also qualify for a federal tax credit, which will help you save up to 30% on the cost of the unit.

Q: What are my options in tankless water heaters?
A: We install and service both oil and propane tankless water heaters. We also install and service direct-fired and indirect fired oil and propane water heaters.

Q: What’s the difference between an indirect-fired and direct fired water heater?
A: Direct-fired means the water is heated directly by the heat of the oil or propane flame. This is the type of system you’ll usually find in a home with a warm air furnace. The fuel is burned in the combustion chamber under the water storage tank, and the hot flue gases heat the water in the tank.

An indirect-fired system means the domestic water is heated by hot water flowing through the boiler. The most efficient of these systems is a water storage tank with an internal coil. The coil gets its heat from the boiler water that circulates through it.

Q: How do oil and propane water heaters compare with electric water heating units?
A: One of the biggest energy wasters in many homes today is the electric water heater. And with electricity rates on the rise, the cost to operate this type of unit is going up. This is because the electric resistance coil that heats water is slow and extremely inefficient. Compared to a propane or oil water heater, it takes an electric unit two to three times longer to heat the water in your tank. This means you have to wait longer–and pay a lot more–for your hot water.

Q: How do I figure out how much hot water I need?
A: You can contact us to find out which of these various water heating options is the best one for your home and family. We’ll work with you to ensure that you get all of the hot water you need. Two adults may never need more than 30 gallons of hot water an hour, but a family of six may need up to 70 gallons.

Q: What can I do to maintain my water heater?
A: You’ll get longer life from your water heater and prevent breakdowns if you follow these simple guidelines:

• Every year have your water heater inspected by a service technician to keep it in peak operating condition.
• If you have a traditional water heater, drain a gallon of water from the tank every three months. Do this every month if you have hard water. This reduces the amount of sediment collecting in the bottom of the tank, which can make the burner or heating coils work harder.